The AgustaWestland AW169 is a twin-engine, 10-seat, 4.8t helicopter developed and manufactured by the helicopter division of Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland, merged into Finmeccanica since 2016).
It was designed to share similarities with the larger AgustaWestland AW139 and AgustaWestland AW189.
The AW169 is a medium-sized twin engine helicopter; upon launch, it held the distinction of being the first all new aircraft in its weight category in over 30 years.
Weighing roughly 4,500 kg and accommodating 7–10 passengers, it is positioned between the 3,175 kg 8-seat AW109GrandNew and the much larger 6,400 kg 15-seat AW139.
The AW169 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A FADEC turboshaft engines, which drives the main rotor at variable speeds to reduce external noise and increase efficiency.
Newly developed dampeners were installed between the rotor blades of the main rotor in order to reduce vibration levels for a smooth passenger experience.
It has the distinction of being the first production helicopter of its category to feature electronically actuated landing gear.
AgustaWestland has reported having various customers for the AW169, including air ambulance, law enforcement, executive/corporate, offshore transport and utility sectors.
The AW169 is equipped with various avionics systems, including a Rockwell Collins glass cockpit featuring three displays outfitted with touch screen interfaces, digital maps, dual radar altimeters, automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast tracking, Health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), and night vision goggles (NVG) compatibility.
Many elements of the cockpit and avionics are similar to those installed on the AgustaWestland AW139 and the AgustaWestland AW189, providing a high level of support.
The use of a four-axis digital automatic flight control system and a dual flight management system incorporating terrain and traffic avoidance systems has allowed for the rotorcraft to be certified to be flown by a single pilot under instrument flight rules (IFR).
There is no auxiliary power unit installed on the AW169; instead, the transmission features a clutch to allow the rotors to be stopped while the port engine continues to run to power the avionics and onboard electrical systems.
On customer request, the AW169 can be equipped with a comprehensive full ice protection system; alternatively, a limited ice protection system may also be integrated.
To meet differing customer’s requirements and preferences, the AW169 can be configured with numerous optional items of equipment, such as auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue hoist, cargo hook, emergency flotation aids, external cameras, rappelling fittings, wire strike protection system, mission consoles, external loudspeakers, and external lighting arrangements.
In a utility passenger configuration, up to 10 people can be accommodated in the AW169’s main cabin, while a corporate transport arrangement can house a maximum of eight people, and a more spacious VIP layout holds six to seven passengers instead.
The VIP interior, developed and offered by Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG), features include the Silens noise and vibration-reduction system, the IFEEL In-flight entertainment system, and numerous luxurious cabin refinements.
In the emergency medical services (EMS) role, the cabin can accommodate a pair of stretchers while maintaining easy access across each patient from either side, a full medical suite can also be installed.
Variants
AW169
Overall designation for type.
AW169 AAS
Designation for militarised variant proposed for the Armed Aerial Scout program (cancelled)
AW169M
(Multirole)
Designation for multirole variant UH-169A, ordered by Italian Guardia di Finanza
AW169MA
(Multirole Advanced)
Designation for militarised variant UH-169 LUH for the Italian Army, with adaptations for troop transport, utility support, maritime patrol, armed reconnaissance and close air support operations.
Specifications
Crew
1 or 2
Capacity
8 to 12 passengers,
+
250 kg (551 lbs) baggage and cargo.
Or
1 stretcher,
+
7 medical attendants.
Or
2 stretchers,
+
5 medical attendants
Length
14.645 m (48 ft 1 in)
Width
2.530 m (8 ft 4 in) Horizontal stab 3.205 m
Height
4.50 m (15 ft 0 in)
Gross weight
2,850 kg (6,283 lb)
Max take-off weight
4,800 kg (10,582 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Pratt & Whitney PW210A turboshaft with FADEC
(735 kW, 1,000 shp class each)
Main rotor diameter
12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Performance
Maximum speed
306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn)
Never exceed speed
306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn) Power on with both engines operative
